News / Palestine
Businesses boycott brewery following founder’s ‘insulting’ statement
The Exchange is just one of a number of businesses that has has severed links with Moor Beer in response to a post from its founder blasting the pro-Palestinian sentiment echoed across Glastonbury Festival over the weekend.
Moor Beer founder Justin Hawkes wrote in a now deleted post on Facebook seemingly calling out pro-Palestinian statements from performers at Glastonbury.
He said that he was “perplexed” by the “hypocrisy” of music fans and festival goers.
is needed now More than ever
“You should have been there on October 7,” he wrote in reference to the attack by Hamas on Israel, including on a music festival.
“Perhaps we should have let Hamas repeat at Glastonbury? Then you’d be begging the IDF to save you.
“If you claim to think sympathetically and believe in the meaning of the lyrics you listen to then you should leave your hypocritical and antisemitic views in the past, or remain the weak, following poser you are.”
In a statement, the Exchange said: “Following yesterday’s asinine and insulting statement from the founder of Moor Brewery, we will no longer be doing business with them going forward.
“Any stock we have remaining will be sold and £1 from each can will be donated to M.A.P. Free Palestine.”
In Bristol, many patrons have reacted negatively to the statement from Hawke, taking to social media to condemn his comments and pledge to boycott the business.
Moor’s Bristol brewery on Days Road in St Philip’s hosts a number of events including live music, with the company also owning the Moor Beer Vaults in Bermondsey in London.
Moor Beer was reborn in 2007 when Californian Justin Hawke purchased the defunct business and moved the brewery to St Philip’s – photo: Moor Beer
A statement from Moor Beer published on Monday said: “To be clear, Moor Beer were shocked to see Justin’s post yesterday, which he deeply regrets.
“As a small, employee-owned company, everyone, including Justin, want there to be no doubt that we do not support genocide or the atrocities taking place in the Middle East, and are deeply sorry for any offense caused.
“If you know us all as people, you would know that this would never be our position.
“If you are finding out about us for the first time we want to emphasise that this is not at all what we stand for.
“Many of you will have been to gigs and events we’ve put on at our venues over the last 18 years, and seen that we are a place of love and support for ALL people and groups, and hope that your experiences here reflect that.
“In beer and music we have done our best to bring people together, regardless of backgrounds, as our gig rosters and brewing partners testify.
“We do not condone hate speech or exclusion of any kind. We are sorry for any hurt caused, and deeply regret any harm done.
“Moor Beer is more than just one person and we don’t want the actions of one to negatively impact the team, which have been incredibly dedicated and hard working for many years.
“Justin hasn’t been involved in the hands-on day to day operations or communications for some time.
“He will be issuing a personal apology; he is deeply sorry for the pain he has caused, both to his friends and Moor Beer.
“We would greatly appreciate your understanding and continued support of the wider team for all of the great things we wish to continue to do for you and our communities.
“With love and compassion, Team Moor”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
